The County Executive is the chief executive officer for New Castle County government, responsible for oversight of the executive and administrative operations of the County, which provides the following services: Public Safety, including police and EMT services. County Library System, which includes maintenance, event, and service programming for 14 public libraries. Parks & Recreation, which oversees protection and maintenance of several county-owned parks, as well as recreational and educational activities and programming for adults and children. Property, which includes oversight of land use planning and development, deeds, assessment and taxation of owned property (real estate), issuance of building permits and licenses, and recording of documents such as deeds and wills. Senior Services, which provides facilities, activities, and special programs to protect and enrich the lives of the County’s older citizens. Community Development & Housing, which provides a wide spectrum of community development and affordable housing services within the confines of the County, outside the metropolitan areas of Wilmington and Newark. Wastewater and Sewers, which designs, builds, and maintains this infrastructure as well as wastewater treatment facilities throughout the county. The County Executive must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of New Castle County for 5 years and 27 years old when elected. He or she is elected to a four-year term on presidential election years, and takes office on the first Tuesday in January following the election. The County Executive may serve an indefinite number of terms, provided that a four-year break is taken after each two consecutive terms.
Salary: $180,634/year
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Party: Democrat
Neighborhood/area of residence: Wilmington, Delaware
Campaign Phone: (302) 351-2411
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MarcusHenryDE/
Education: Undergraduate of Howard University & Graduate of University of Delaware
Community Involvement: Bright Bloom Centers (Owner and Founder)
Campaign Email: info@marcushenryde.com
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@marcushenryfornewcastlecou4002
Campaign Website: marcushenryde.com
Work Experience: DSHA (Legislative and Policy Advisor to Housing Director), DNREC (Brownfields Program Ombudsman), WHA (Director of Capital Development), NCC (General Manager of the New Castle County Department of Community Services & Economic Development Director for New Castle County)
Additional Information: Former/Current Board Member of New Castle County Historic Review Board Easter Seals of Delaware and Maryland Eastern Shore Autism, Delaware Salvation Army of Delaware, The Committee of 100, National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials, The Grand Opera House, Delaware Nature Society
Q: What are your qualifications for office? Can you provide examples of past experiences or accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to effectively lead and collaborate with others in a governmental setting?
A: With over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, I have served as General Manager of Community Services for New Castle County, leading multiple departments and overseeing significant projects like the construction of four libraries. As Economic Development Policy Director, I revitalized communities and created jobs. At the Wilmington Housing Authority, I ensured affordable housing for residents. Overall, my business ownership and commitment to public safety and environmental advocacy further demonstrate my leadership and collaborative skills.
Q: What do you see as the most urgent issues in your County at this time?
A: The most urgent issues in New Castle County are housing affordability, public safety, and economic development. We need to ensure access to affordable housing for all residents, improve community-oriented policing to enhance public safety and foster economic growth to retain and attract businesses. Addressing these issues will create a safer, more prosperous community for everyone.
Q: Do you think any strategic changes are needed in the county’s approach to growth & development, land use or transportation planning for the coming decade? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes. We need a more strategic and sustainable approach to growth and development. This includes updating land use policies to promote smart growth, expanding housing affordability at different price points, and ensuring infrastructure supports future growth. Improved transportation planning is essential to reduce traffic congestion, enhance public transit, and support economic development while altogether preserving our natural environment.
Q: How will you ensure that your county has land use measures that allow for the development of affordable housing?
A: I will focus on responsible land use and zoning policies, incentivizing collaboration with the state, private sector, and local jurisdictions. By revising zoning laws and streamlining approval processes, we can make a huge impact. My goal is to provide more housing options, ensuring access to comfortable and sustainable homes for all residents.
Q: How will you engage with residents, especially minorities, to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes?
A: I will ensure there is consistent open dialogue in our diverse neighborhoods and minority communities on ways to resolve the many issues faced. Drawing from my experience with youth and senior programs while working for the county, I will organize listening sessions to actively involve these groups in our planning process. Creating advisory councils and leveraging multilingual communication channels will further ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the county’s decision-making processes.
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